These included stopping jobseekers from the European Economic Area from getting housing benefit and deporting anyone found sleeping rough.

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said: “As part of the Government’s long-term economic plan we have taken action to make sure our economy delivers for people who want to work hard, play by the rules and contribute to this country.

“These reforms will ensure we have a fair system - one which provides support for genuine workers and jobseekers, but does not allow people to come to our country and take advantage of our benefits system.

"The British public are rightly concerned that migrants should contribute to this country, and not be drawn here by the attractiveness of our benefits system.”